The other day I was watching TV & saw a commercial. It was a commercial made by a Baptist church. It was a commercial for Biltmore Baptist Church Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular. At the end of the commercial it said you have to purchase tickets.Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular

Protestants are just blindly following traditions handed onto them by their Protestant forefathers from generations before them, without questioning their forefathers why they are celebrating a Catholic religious tradition. The English language did not always exist. The word "Christmas", which is "Christ's-Mass" from old English Christes Maesse first found in 1038 A.D. & Christes-Misse in 1131 A.D. French is Noel, Dutch is Kerst-Misse. How could anyone be more Catholic every time they say the word? "Cristes" is from Greek christos and "maeisse" is from Latin missa. In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter X (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century X, or the similar Roman letter X has been used as an abbreviation for Christ. Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Just as Protestants have stolen the Bible from the Catholic Church without permission, they stole the Catholic religious tradition of Christmas from the Catholic Church.

By what authority do Protestants have to celebrate another religions sacred tradition & change it into what they think it should be? Why don't Protestants steal the sacred tradition of hanukkah from the Jews, then change it, & blindly start celebrating it how they think it should be celebrated? Why don't Protestants steal the sacred tradition of Ramadan from the Muslims, then change it, & blindly start celebrating it how they think it should be celebrated? Why do Protestants steal the sacred tradition of Christmas/Christ Mass from the Catholic Church, then change it, & blindly start celebrating it how they think it should be celebrated?

Where is the Sacred Tradition of Christmas in the Bible? Where is the word Christmas in the Bible? The first evidence of the Feast of the Nativity [Christmas] is from Egypt 200 AD. Where is the date of Jesus birth in the Bible?

The Catholic Church is the Church who set December 25 as the date on which Christmas or Christ Mass is to be celebrated on. By the way it was the Catholic Church that made the calendar that is used throughout the world it is called the Gregorian calendar named after the Pope who instituted it.

Who said Jesus was born on Dec 25th? Does the Bible say Jesus was born on Dec 25th? No it does not.

If a Protestant does not go to Mass how can they celebrate Christ Mass / Christmas? Protestants have taken Mass out of Christ Mass / Christmas.

Why do Protestants create their own man made traditions by stealing & changing Catholic traditions like Christmas then turn around and use & twist scripture like mark 7:1-13 & matt 15:1-9 to condemn the Catholic Church having traditions?

Plagiarize: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source intransitive verb : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Some are starting to give Christmas back to the Catholics. And some are even going so far as to smash nativity scenes when they have them. Some have even accused Catholics of creating Christmas for the purpose of celebrating a Pagan holiday (Sol Invictus, but I am not sure how many "them" knew what pagan holiday we replaced).

But it is interesting that while some have moved entirely away from Christmas (mostly the cults), there are many who with one breath will condemn Catholics for adopting "pagan practices" and wish their neighbours "Merry Christmas".

No fears though. I am sure that many of our Christian brethren did know that Christmas is not a celebration of Sol Invictus, but truly a celebration of Christ's birth because that is who we are celebrating now.

Pax et Bonum,

Faith_at_Large

"If anyone says that man can be justified before God by his own works, whether done by his own natural powers or through the teaching of the law, without divine grace through Jesus Christ, let him be anathema."

quote:See the Smokies’ most spectacular light display and a lineup of live Christmas shows that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, all at Dollywood.

You mean to tell me that they are celebrating with a Mass?

We must never glance at what is good in ourselves, much less ponder over it, but we should search out what is wrong and what is lacking. This is an excellent way of remaining humble.--St. Vincent de PaulAd Jesum Per Mariam

you obviously no nothing of how the protestant religion came about. The protestant religion is a branch of christianity. It actually branched from this catholic church you so boldly speak of. The reason protestant religions are called protestant religions is because they protested against some aspects of the catholic church. Such as the way the catholic church seems to believe it can promote normal everyday human beings to be saints. How can something ungodly as a human suddenly become something that supposedly has come from heaven. In this respect the catholic church has pretty much said anyone can become a saint and anyone can become closer to god then their neighbour. Which is rediculous. You do realise the most of the traditions of christmas were actually not started by the catholic church such as santa claus, the christmas tree, gift giving. And why are you so anoyed by protestants? Jesus was catholic... how do you know he would be happy that someone made a religion in his honor that celebrated not only his birthday but the day he was tortured. Jesus may have died for all of man kinds sins, but he didnt ask for a religion to start in his name and he most likely didn't want people to exploit his death as another reason to eat drink and be merry. You can fast as much as you like but at the end of the day you celebrate his death and his birth by performing one of the seven deadly sins, and pretty much throwing it in his face that he sacrificed himself to save your soul from eternal suffering. so in conclusion the protestant church is in a way a branch of the catholic, therefore we have not stolen anything. It is as much our lineage as it is yours. But I do believe christmas needs to be reviewed. Many think that christmas is just a time to over spend, over eat and well over induldge in everyway possible and do it in christs image. Its disgusting. Christmas is about family, it is about giving and it is about sharing life. Like jesus shared his life with us, to him we were all his family, he gave to us all and without expecting anything in return. And that my friend is the true meaning of christmas. If anything I believe jesus would've wanted us to unselfishly give as he gave to us, to treasure those we have in our lives and to forgive those that have sinned against us. Christmas is a time of year that gives us ther opportunity to do this but many have forgotten this.

quote: The protestant religion is a branch of christianity. It actually branched from this catholic church you so boldly speak of. The reason protestant religions are called protestant religions is because they protested against some aspects of the catholic church.

Protestants protest their false assumptions about the Catholic Church. Protestants protest a catholic church they created that does not actually exist & try to pin their false assumptions on the actual Catholic Church. Protestantism is guilty of breaking the 8th commandment.

quote:Such as the way the catholic church seems to believe it can promote normal everyday human beings to be saints. How can something ungodly as a human suddenly become something that supposedly has come from heaven.

(Gen 1:27)God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

(Gen 5:1-2)When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created.

But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." implying that God did not created man in his own image & God does not want you to be like Him. Satan lied.

quote:In this respect the catholic church has pretty much said anyone can become a saint and anyone can become closer to god then their neighbour. Which is rediculous.

Scripture provides ample evidence that Christians can and should honor and imitate the saints - God’s friends in heaven. The following verses show that, far from denigrating or detracting from God’s own glory, when Christians honor and venerate (i.e., bestow glory and praise upon) the saints, they are following what God himself does.

The difference between the Catholic and protestant views on the subject can best be illustrated with this analogy. Imagine you are visiting a king. As you are being shown into his royal throne room you notice immediately the beautiful music lilting through the air. As you step into the chamber you are dazzled by the beauty of the place: gorgeous tapestries hung from the walls, stunning works of art adorning the room, sumptuous carpet covering the floor. You see men and women dressed in splendid apparel, their faces shining with happiness, their countenances beautiful to behold. “As you progress further into the room, towards the king, you realize that the grandeur in the room grows accordingly. Finally, you reach the foot of the throne, and you gaze upon the king himself. He is magnificent, far more glorious than anything in the room. “You are overwhelmed by the regal beauty of his clothing ,his crown, his scepter, his throne. But the king himself is the center, the focal point of all the glory that surrounds him. “Now imagine you’re entering the throne room of a different king. “The first thing you notice is the absence of sound. There is no music. There are no exquisite tapestries to catch your eye, no works of art, no jewel-studded carpet. There are no people here. In fact, there is literally nothing in the room that could conceivably distract your attention from the king, who sits in magnificent glory on his throne, at the center of the room. “Why is this room bare of all ornaments and empty of any courtiers? Because this king is jealous of his glory. He doesn’t want you to become distracted by anything else - he wants you to see only himself. Which king is more glorious? Obviously the first. These two kings represent the two very different ways Catholics and Protestants understand God’s attitude toward his creatures. “The example of the second king is characteristic of the Protestant conception. This king will allow nothing else to attract your attention, even if just for a moment. True he is a glorious king, but doesn’t this throne room seem drab and empty? “The first king represents how Catholics see God and his attitude toward his friends. Because he himself is glorious, he lavishes glory on everyone and everything that surrounds him. He is not worried that you will focus for a moment on the beauty of a tapestry or splendid garb of one of his courtier friends. That you do marvel at these glorious peripheral items in itself gives greater honor and glory to him. The glory that suffuses everything around this king is evidence of his own glory. It highlights this fact and pulls our attention away and inexorably to the focus of all: him.

Asking saints to prey for us glorifies God.

Satin is jealous of his glory. Satin wants you to focus only himself. He doesn’t want you to be distracted by anything else.

God wants to give his glory. God bestows honor & glory on his friends. God is not worried that you will focus for a moment on the honor & glory He bestows on his friends.

Imagine a father with many children. Imagine one of the younger children going to one of the older brothers or sisters & asking the older brother or sister to ask the father for something & the older brother or sister goes to the father & says little Tim asked me to ask you for some vegetables. Then the father goes to little Tim & says. Don’t you EVER go to one of your brothers or sisters to have Them ask for something for you. You go directly to ME!

quote:You do realise the most of the traditions of christmas were actually not started by the catholic church such as santa claus,

quote:the christmas tree, gift giving. And why are you so anoyed by protestants?

Protestants break the 8th commandment against the Catholic Church. Protestants took the Bible from the Catholic Church & claim it as theirs to interpret however they want & took Christmas & claim it as theirs to interpret however they want.

quote:Jesus was catholic...

Yes

quote:how do you know he would be happy that someone made a religion in his honor that celebrated not only his birthday but the day he was tortured. Jesus may have died for all of man kinds sins, but he didnt ask for a religion to start in his name and he most likely didn't want people to exploit his death as another reason to eat drink and be merry. You can fast as much as you like but at the end of the day you celebrate his death and his birth by performing one of the seven deadly sins, and pretty much throwing it in his face that he sacrificed himself to save your soul from eternal suffering. so in conclusion the protestant church is in a way a branch of the catholic, therefore we have not stolen anything. It is as much our lineage as it is yours. But I do believe christmas needs to be reviewed. Many think that christmas is just a time to over spend, over eat and well over induldge in everyway possible and do it in christs image. Its disgusting.

You have a Protestantism distorted view of the Catholic Church. Be aware of breaking the 8th commandment.

quote:Christmas is about family, it is about giving and it is about sharing life. Like jesus shared his life with us, to him we were all his family, he gave to us all and without expecting anything in return. And that my friend is the true meaning of christmas.

You really have no authority to tell the Catholic Church what Christ mass is or is not. You can not take someone else’s autobiography & turn around & tell them they are wrong & what it is about. Read the original post again. Christmas means Christ Mass.Can you not see the pride in telling the Catholic Church what their Christ Mass does & does not mean? Without the Catholic Church Protestants would not have Christmas or the Bible.

quote:If anything I believe jesus would've wanted us to unselfishly give as he gave to us, to treasure those we have in our lives and to forgive those that have sinned against us. Christmas is a time of year that gives us ther opportunity to do this but many have forgotten this.

Through bigotry prejudices false assumptions & false premises Protestants are protesting a catholic church made up by Protestantism that does not actually exist.

I would like the whole world to celebrate it, and know that it is to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Pax et Bonum,

Faith_at_Large

"If anyone says that man can be justified before God by his own works, whether done by his own natural powers or through the teaching of the law, without divine grace through Jesus Christ, let him be anathema."

"If anyone says that man can be justified before God by his own works, whether done by his own natural powers or through the teaching of the law, without divine grace through Jesus Christ, let him be anathema."

As Christianity spread, so more & more previously pagan temples were converted into Christian gathering places. Many centuries later many of these churches still stand, and are still Christian.

So it is with any feast days we may have borrowed.

However, the 'Bethlehemstar' website has a very intertesting take on the whole timing of Christmas.

Pay your money, take your choice.

I know the above poster - he may not be wise, but feel free to take his advise in this matter - Dec 25th may be the actual date after all!

Now that we have entered Advent we remember that as we prepare to remember the birth of Jesus, we look forward to the day of His return. of course many protestants - particularly the more sub-Christian ones - will say they remember everything about Christ everyday so don't need special days, etc.. Good for them. For the rest of us,we mere mortals, special days help to concentrate our focus on particular aspects of person and mystery of Christ, and of those involved with gifting Him to us. So we honour Mary, His mother, Joseph, her husband. We remember the poor, the homeless, refugees. The list goes on, but, as ever, where there is Christ we find humanity and His association and identifcation with the lowliest of us. God bless.

OK earwigs, you are all wrong and the Cathoilic church should be glad if the Protestants took it away from them after all why would you want to celebrate a pagan holiday? Go ask a Jew when Jesus was born you will get the real answer. Read and find out! I still celebrate because of all the world dong it at the same time and i feel that is a beautiful thing even though they should do this every day. Protestants don't object to christmas and break statues it is those who are without God period How dare you blame every crime in the world on Protestants SEE why i get pissed off!

December 25th Was Baal's Birthday Before It Was Celebrated As ...Aug 23, 2009 ... The ancient Canaanites and Phoenicians viewed the tree as a symbol of fertility. ... That sure puts a different spin on things, now doesn't it? ... Long before Christmas was ever invented, December 25th was known as ... Later on, the Romans also started holding a festival on December 25th called ...

OK Pompous, here we go again you realy need a boot up your poopshute.Protestants break the 8th commandment against the Catholic Church. Protestants took the Bible from the Catholic Church & claim it as theirs to interpret however they want & took Christmas & claim it as theirs to interpret however they want.

Now the Catholic church owns the 10 commandments that were around way the hell before the church ever was???Again ask the Jews you seem to have gone to the wrong school Don't you hate that? Someone teaching you bull ****?